Compaq Presario 2575US Notebook PC (2.66-GHz Pentium 4, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive)

Rating:
Summary: Another disappointing computer from Compaq
Review: I full-heartedly agree w/ Jim G's previous review. I purchased a Compaq Presario 1.5 years ago and had several problems within weeks. I wouldn't wish their customer service on my worst enemy - they are abysmal, incompetent, and have zero bargaining power in terms of trying to fix problems. I had to ship my previous computer 5 times to Compaq until finally (and after at least 30 hours of my personal time making phone calls and writing letters) I received a new computer: the 2575. While it is better than the previous version, the battery life is atrocious, booting speed is circa-1997, and the noise from the fans must hit several thousand decibels.

I am usually an easy customer to satisfy, but this is one company I am staying far away from (after numerous incidents).

Rating:
Summary: Poor case design means possible damage to LCD
Review: The 2575US is a capable desktop replacement for doing just that - using on a desktop only. The many features such as a CD-RW drive and a nice large screen make it a worthy upgrade from an old pokey desktop.

However, the processor and perihperals use entirely too much battery power to be practical portable (to be expected in a fast Pentium IV). Plus the cooling fans (at least three that I can account for) make a tremendous amount of use, which is distracting in quiet office or meeting settings.

The biggest strike against this laptop is its physical design. The 2575US has a large plastic 'bulge' in the design of the top case where the Compaq logo sits. This roughly 3" diameter round 'bulge' sticks out from the surrounding surface of the lid about 1/4" to 5/16" or so. When the laptop is in a shoulder-carried or roller briefcase with anything else flat snug against the laptop's lid (like a large book or another laptop), the plastic 'bulge' presses inward on the back of the LCD. This stress against the display caused it to crack on my laptop.

This defect in design, allowing FLAT objects resting against the laptop case to BREAK the screen, is definitely something that would have caused me NOT to purchase this model laptop, or any similar models from Compaq/HP, if I had recognized the problem at the store.

Of course, Compaq/HP are completely denying warranty coverage for such "damage". They say that a broken LCD is absolutely not covered under warranty, no matter what the cause.

This after spending 2 hours on the phone with three different offshore support center operators that were beyond difficult to understand. It's painful to have to take *20* minutes just to get through the identifying information of who I am and what model I am calling about - I kid you not.

HP bills their support as "Total Support", but I would rate it as anything *but*.

Do yourself a favor - closely check the support availability and warranty policies before buying any computer. The offshoring of support for US-based buyers is completely abysmal, so find a company with local support if you can.

I would hesitate to buy another Compaq or HP laptop given this experience.

Rating:
Summary: Powerful machine but a bit heavy
Review: This is a power-packed machine with P4 2.6GHz processor and 512MB DDR RAM. The performance of the machine is just awesome. There are however, a few negative aspects about this machine. It is a bit too bulky. Also the processor fans make more noise than many other laptops. If you like to play games on your laptop then this machine is really good for you. But with power comes the bulk. The display is good. The CD writing is a bit slow though. Most of the times I'm able to get only 4x write speeds on my CD-Rs.